[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 856 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                     December 17, 2007.
Whereas the community of Omaha, Nebraska has suffered through a tragic event at 
        the Westroads Mall that resulted in the loss of 9 lives and the wounding 
        of several others;
Whereas on December 5, 2007, a troubled young man entered a department store in 
        the Westroads Mall in Omaha, Nebraska carrying a rifle;
Whereas the young man began to randomly fire his rifle at shoppers and store 
        clerks within the Von Maur department store and other locations within 
        Westroads Mall;
Whereas the result of this shooting spree resulted in the deaths of Gary Scharf, 
        John McDonald, Angie Schuster, Maggie Webb, Janet Jorgensen, Diane 
        Trent, Gary Joy, and Beverly Flynn;
Whereas Fred Wilson, Michelle Oldham, Jeff Schaffert, and Brad Stafford were 
        wounded as a result of the shootings;
Whereas the first responders, officers of the Omaha Police Department, Douglas 
        and Sarpy County Sheriff's Department, and Omaha Fire Department, 
        arrived at the Westroads Mall within minutes and secured all entrances 
        and exits to the mall and discovered a number of deceased persons, 
        including the shooter;
Whereas on December 6, 2007 Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman ordered that all 
        United States and State flags in Nebraska be flown at half-staff through 
        Sunday, Dec. 9; and
Whereas the grieving and celebration of the lives of those lost in this 
        senseless tragedy will be with the greater Omaha community for months 
        and years to come: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses its heartfelt sympathy for the victims and families of 
        the shootings in Omaha, Nebraska on Wednesday, December 5, 2007; and
            (2) conveys its gratitude to the city and county officials, and all 
        the police, fire, sheriff, and emergency medical teams who responded 
        swiftly to the scene and secured the mall and surrounding area.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.